What if your midlife aches and pains weren’t random, but part of a predictable, biological syndrome? Meet MSM: the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause — a concept identified and named by Orthopedic Surgeon and Menopause Champion Dr. Vonda Wright. In this episode, Sandi and Beth break down why your body feels different, what’s happening inside your cells, and the simple, evidence-based steps that can help you stay strong, mobile, and confident through this stage and beyond. You’ll leave feeling informed, validated, and empowered.

• Wright, V. (2025). Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power. New York: Random House. ISBN: 9780593736586. Random House

• Haver, M. C. (2024). The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts. New York: Harmony/Rodale/Convergent. ISBN: 9780593796269. Google Books+1

• The Menopause Society — https://www.menopause.org/ The Menopause Society+1

• International Menopause Society — https://www.imsociety.org/

This episode of "If You Know Someone With a Vagina" (IYKSWAV) focuses on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), a condition affecting menopausal women due to decreasing estrogen levels. GSM impacts both vaginal and urinary health, often presenting as vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, urinary urgency or frequency, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Despite its prevalence, GSM remains underdiagnosed, and many women mistakenly accept its symptoms as an inevitable part of aging.

Hosts Sandi and Beth, both retired nurse practitioners, bring a compassionate and lighthearted approach to the discussion of GSM. Drawing from their own experiences, they openly share the realities of the impact of these symptoms and the importance of effective treatment. Their honest reflections add a relatable and empathetic dimension to the conversation, helping to normalize the topic and encourage others to seek help and support. Through their blend of professional expertise and personal insight, Sandi and Beth foster an environment of understanding and humor, making the subject more approachable for all.

Whether you’ve had one UTI or 20, this episode is packed with practical advice, expert insights, relatable experiences, and a few laughs along the way. Sandi and Beth follow the path of the urinary tract to explain what a UTI actually is, how anatomy plays a role, and what you can do to prevent them.

They are joined by a clinical laboratory Medical Technologist who explains how your pee gets tested and what those urinalysis results REALLY mean. But they don't stop there - they also explore what it's like to navigate UTIs from both a Provider's perspective and a Partner's.

If you've ever asked, "Why does this keep happening?"- this one's for you! So stay hydrated, hit the head one more time, wipe front to back, and give this a listen!!

UTI (Vajingle) Performed and Produced by Kelsey Duvauchelle

Written by Sandi Fabian

Special recognition and shout outs:

Mary Rericka - special guest

Lisa Hines - special editor

HPV is one of the most common viruses out there - but for many people, a diagnosis can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even scary. In this episode, Sandi and Beth break it all down with honesty, empathy, and a little humor. You'll hear from Mickey, a courageous cancer survivor, who shares her personal journey through HPV-related throat cancer. Whether you've just been diagnosed with HPV, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to know more about prevention and vaccines, this episode is packed with information, insights and support. Let's clear up the stigma and talk about what HPV really means for your health. Because the more you know, the more empowered you are.

Special recognition and shout outs:

HPV (Vajingle) Performed and Produced by Kelsey Duvauchelle

Written by Sandi Fabian

Additional Resources:

cdc.gov/hpv

cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer

Put on your paper gown, crack the door, scoot all the way down, relax and breathe, it’s time to better understand YOUR pelvic exam. Sandi and Beth take you through what it involves, why it matters, and how to feel more comfortable during the process. Be sure to listen to the end for another original vajingle, because even pelvic exams deserve a soundtrack!

Special recognition and shout outs:

Theme Song "Dimple" Produced and Performed by maika i (AKA Kelsey Duvauchelle)

For more performances and originals go to: https://on.soundcloud.com/5nqEoDViNEoHa1sw8

The Pelvic Pokey (Vajingle) Performed and Produced by Kelsey Duvauchelle.

Instrumental courtesy of Terrance Shider.

Written by Sandi Fabian

For more covers by Terrance, find him on his socials here:

Instagram: terrance_shider

YouTube: @terranceshider 3660

Sandi and Beth walk you through the spectrum of vaginal odor. From Musky, Tinny, Bleachy, Yeasty, Fishy, Rotten to Foul, they discuss normal versus abnormal smells, their causes and what you can do about it. They also share some surprising survey results on the subject as well as open up about their own malodorous struggles.

Special Recognition and Shout Outs:

Theme Song "Dimple" Produced and Performed by maika i (AKA Kelsey Duvauchelle)

For more performances and originals go to: https://on.soundcloud.com/5nqEoDViNEoHa1sw8

"What's That Smell" vajingle;

Written by Sandi Fabian

Performed and Produced by Kelsey Duvauchelle

Coming up on IYKSWAV’s “Yeastie Girls” episode, Sandi and Beth first introduce you to some Yeastie basics. In Part one they share with you their own encounters with vaginal yeast infections and also detail the most common symptoms and prevention tips. Part 2 reveals some surprising partner perspectives. Part 3 brings you the inside scoop from our seasoned medical Provider. Sandi tells you how to go about finding the right provider for your urgent situation!

Acknowledgments and Shout Outs:

Theme Song "Dimple" Produced and Performed by maika i (AKA Kelsey Duvauchelle)

For more performances and originals go to: https://on.soundcloud.com/5nqEoDViNEoHa1sw8